R is for Rings

If you are an avid reader of our blog (and we hope that you are) you may have seen our "J is for Jewelry" post and be thinking, "Hey! They already covered rings!" Before you jump to the conclusion that we have completely run out of ideas to blog about, (save that thought for when we get to U, Y and Z of this alphabet series) this is a new concept for rings.

Well, new for us anyway. We like to stay informed on developing trends in the industry. We carefully monitor our social media sites, check wedding boards and Google like crazy. The latest topic to catch our attention - "mangagement" rings. This Huffington Post UK article, dated 5/12/11 suggests that we are behind the times on this one, but we'd prefer to think of it as fashionably late.

Within the United States, women are traditionally the wearers of the engagement ring, however, according to the article, engagement rings for men are not uncommon around the globe. Yes, we are talking diamond rings worn publicly during the engagement period to signify the commitment they are making to their fiance. It is this sign of commitment, and all that it means, that is making men... "Put a ring on it," so to speak.

Canadian crooner, Micahel Bubble, proudly wearing his mangagement ring.

TheKnot.com and MensHealth.com conducted a survey in 2011 and found that 5% of men were wearing mangagement rings, and 17% were open to the idea (sodahead.com). Some men choose to wear their wedding band early, while others upgrade to a new ring during the ceremony or switch the ring from the right to left hand. Some men sport both rings. There is still a ways to go before this practice becomes commonplace, but with more women feeling comfortable with initiating the proposal and with both individuals equally committed to each other, why not?